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New book documents Li'l Smokey's birth and first days of life

Colt and mother who survived neglect and starvation are now flourishing.

By Carie Canterbury

canterburyc@canoncitydailyrecord.com

Posted:
08/01/2014 11:46:43 AM MDT

Dottie Mayber reads her new book to Li'l Smokey and Lightning at her Williamsburg home. (Dottie Mayber)

One-year-old Smokey, a rare silver/black/dusk grey colt, is somewhat of a celebrity in his neck of the woods.

Having survived his mother's pregnancy through starvation and neglect, Li'l Smokey has a unique story all of his own. But the antics he has pulled in the last year has given his "Mom 2," Dottie Mayber, a lot to smile about - and write about.

Friends and neighbors continually stop by her Williamsburg home to check in on Li'l Smokey and see what shenanigans he's pulled lately.

"He's quite the community colt," Mayber said.

Mayber documents the story of Smokey's birth and his mother, Lightning's, healing and recovery in her new book, "The Birth and Adventures of Li'l Smokey."

Dottie Mayber's book, 'The Birth and Adventures of Li'l Smokey' is now available for purchase in both soft cover and electronic editions through Mayber's publisher, www.trafford.com, at www.amazon.com and at www.barnesandnoble.com.

Mayber took in Lightning, a pregnant grey mare, and a painted filly named Sparky in May 2013. They had been abandoned by their owners with no food or water, their manes were matted and their tails tangled. Mayber nursed both horses back to health with plenty of healthy food and fresh water, got them medical care and provided more than enough love.

Li'l Smokey was born July 12, 2013. He now is like an "overgrown kid," Mayber said.

A story in the Aug. 3, 2013 edition of the Daily Record captured the attention and hearts of several people in Fremont County. Since then, Li'l Smokey has become a small-town celebrity. Mayber began sharing her experiences with Li'l Smokey through a monthly guest column in the Daily Record, "Adventures of Li'l Smokey."

In her new book, Mayber describes Lightning's behavior and distrust during their early days and months together. Mayber said she didn't like to be brushed and she seemed to be "mad all the time." Lightning stomped at Mayber several times, and she didn't want to be bothered while eating because she had gone without food for so long.

"OK, girl, but maybe someday you will learn to trust me because we will save each other," Mayber wrote in the book.

Mayber quickly fell in love with Lightning and Sparky, but she gave them their space and time to heal.

"I stood there, watching, with tears falling from my face, knowing what they had been through," Mayber wrote. "I felt it because I had been there.

"...As I watched these horses, wiping my eyes, I realized this was the best thing that could have happened to me in a very long time, and I hoped in time for them too."

The 17- page book is available for purchase in both soft cover and electronic editions through Mayber's publisher, trafford.com, at amazon.com and at barnesandnoble.com. The book soon will be available for viewing at the Cañon City Public Library. Mayber eventually hopes to write a second volume.

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